but in one weekend, a sadness has set in with the news of a massacre of innocent children in newtown, connecticut. that was followed by the loss of our wonderful colleague, senator yue.el inoyoue.o i leave with a heavy heart just in the last few days. i want to thank the people of texas for asking me to represent them in washington. i want to thank the many people who have served on my staff for almost 20 years. i have to say that i am touched that both the benches on both sides of this room are filled with my staff members who have been so hard-working and so loyal. they have produced so much in 20 years for our state and nation. i think them. -- thank them. want to thank my colleagues and everyone who has worked here and those who worship behind the scenes to make our lives as good -- who worked behind the scenes to make our lives as good as it could be. they keep our buildings safe and clean, they work in the library's, shops, effort serious, and guide tens of thousands of tourists there are nation's capital every year. i want to thank my husband and our two children. many of my colleagues who